Frameless roll leveler, straightener and the like

ABSTRACT

A frameless roll leveler construction and like comprises a first group of leveler rolls, a second group of leveler rolls, a first group of roll supports, a second group of roll supports, and a common support structure for said first and second roll supports. Means are provided for rotatably mounting the first group of rolls on the first group of supports respectively and for rotatably mounting the second group of rolls on the second group of roll supports respectively. Means are also included for alternately and individually mounting the first and second roll supports on the common support structure, with the second roll supports being longer than the first roll supports so that the second rolls are supported outwardly of the first rolls relative to said common support structure.

Lemper FRAMELESS ROLL LEVELER, STRAIGHTENER AND THE LIKE [75] Inventor: Herbert Lemper, Bethel Park, Pa. [73] Assignee: Mesta Machine Company,

Pittsburgh, Pa.

[22] Filed: Feb. 22, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 227,874

- [52] US. Cl. 72/164 [51] Int. Cl. B21d 1/02 [58] Field of Search 72/164, 162, 160, 72/165 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,720,243 10/1955 Siegerist 72/164 3,621,693 11/1971 Adams.... 72/164 3,492,852 2/1970 Perner 72/164 Oct. 16, 1973 Primary Examiner-Milton S. Mehr Attorney-Donn J. Smith [5 7] ABSTRACT A frameless roll leveler construction and like comprises a first group of leveler rolls, a second group of leveler rolls, a first group of roll supports, a second group of roll supports, and a common support structure for said first and second roll supports. Means are provided for rotatably mounting the first group of rolls on the first group of supports respectively and for rotatably mounting the second group of rolls on the second group of roll supports respectively. Means are also included for alternately and individually mounting the first and second roll supports on the common support structure, with the second roll supports being longer than the first roll supports so that the second rolls are supported outwardly of the first rolls relative to said common support structure.

19 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTED S Y SHEET 1 0f 3 m mm &

QQR wk k h ANN NMQ WN MN H ll F RAMELESS ROLL LEVELER, STRAIGI-ITENER AND THE LIKE The present invention relates to a roll leveler or straightener structure or the like in which the conventional overhead frame or beam for the upper rolls is obviated. More particularly the invention relates to a roll leveler or straightener of the character described having unique means for varying the pitch of the rolls.

As sometimes used herein, the terms leveler or roll leveler is inclusive also of similar straightener devices and equivalent apparatus.

Structural mill straighteners or levelers are employed throughout the steel and related industries for straightening various structural shapes such as beams and angles, and for leveling strip or sheet. Such devices employ usually a large number of rolls, with seven or more such rolls being common. Because the pitch or distance between adjacent rolls of the leveler is necessarily limited by the construction of the leveler, tremendous forces are reactively imposed upon individual rolls of the leveler and also their housings and associated components.

In a variety of conventional roll leveler constructions, the upper rolls are supported against an overhead beam or the like, particularly in those roll levelers in which provision is made for varying the pitch of the individual rolls. Where a relatively large number of upper rolls are employed and/or where the pitch therebetween is relatively large the necessarily long span of the upper supporting beam or frame must be made extremely massive in order to support the upper rolls uniformly against'any unwanted deflection thereof when a beam or other shape is interposed between the leveler rolls. In a conventional construction of this variety, the bottom rolls, particularly in a variable pitch form of leveler, must be similarly supported against a relatively rigid structure, which may form part of the conventional leveler frame, or may be a separately provided foundation. In either case a massive and rigid structure is entailed.

Obviously, as the number of rolls of the leveler is increased the frame of the conventional leveler must be increasingly rigidized against the possiblity of unwanted deflection of the rolls particularly in those rolls adjacent the center line'of the array of leveler rolls. Where the array of leveler rolls are mounted in a variable pitch configuration the heavily rigidized frame or other beam type supporting structure of the leveler must be lengthened and further rigidized to accommodate the maximum roll pitch. A point is rapidly reached, however where it becomes impractical to rigidize the leveler frame against unwanted deflection beyond a given length of the frame. This highly undesirable limitation heretofore has resulted in limiting both the number of leveler rolls utilized within a single roll leveler and more particularly the maximum pitch of the leveler rolls. Most importantly, this limitation has severly limited the amount of pitch variation that can be built into a conventional roll leveler.

fore and aft of the array of rolls particularly when the latter are adjacent their minimum pitch. Owing to move-ments of some of the leveler rolls in a direction opposite to movement of others of the rolls, a complicated driving arrangement has been necessitated to accomplish the pitch variation.

I overcome these disadvantages of the prior art by providing a unique roll leveler construction in which both the upper and lower rolls of the leveler and their housings or other supports are supported from a single beam arrangement, slideway, or other common support structure. Accordingly the massive frame of conventional roll levelers is obviated. The common support structure for the upper and lower rolls is further arranged such that the maximum effective span of the beam or support (relative to application of straightening forces) is equal to the distance between an adjacent pair of top or an adjacent pair of bottom rolls, i.e., to the pitch of the roll leveler. The bending load imposed upon the support in my novel roll leveler construction is equivalent to the loading imposed upon a single one of the leveler rolls. In contrast, a conventional roll leveler frame must span the distance occupied by the array of leveler rolls at their maximum pitch, if the pitch is variable. By the same token, the conventional leveler frame and particularly the overhead beam thereof is subjected to the total forces reactively imposed upon all of the associated rolls. In my unique leveler construction the conventional leveler frame not only is eliminated, but the single support arrangement for the upper and lower rolls can be made much lighter in view of the much shorter effective beam span to which the uniquely new support structure is subjected.

In combination with the aforementioned novel support structure for the upper and lower leveler rolls, the invention further contemplates a unique arrangement for varying the height or distance from the common support of the upper rolls relative to the lower rolls. Such height varying means are mechanically associated with the single support arrangement and can be applied alternatively and with equal facility to the lower leveler rolls. Cooperating with the height adjustment means, are suitable axial adjustment mechanisms for individual rolls.

In accordance with another feature of the invention the individual supports for the leveler rolls are arranged for sliding engagement with the single supporting beam assembly or slideway in accomplishment of the unique variable pitch arrangement of the invention. In further accordance with the invention novel drive means are disclosed for variably sliding all of the leveler rolls except the endmost of the array of leveler rolls. Thus, the pitch variable or movable leveler rolls travel in the same direction, whereby a simpler and more reliable driving arrangement according to the invention can be utilized. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention the entry leveler roll is fixed, although it will be apparent that the delivery roll likewise can be fixed. The remainder of the rolls, then, are moved in the same direction but through varying distances away from the fixed roll. As a result it is desirably only to provide a roll table or other movable intermediate support only between the other endmost (movable) roll and the adjacent end of the leveler structure.

I accomplish these desirable results by a frameless roll leveler and the like comprising a first group of leveler rolls, a second group of leveler rolls, a first group of roll supports, a second group of roll supports, means for rotatably mounting said first group of rolls on said first group of supports respectively and for rotatably mounting said second group of rolls on said second group of roll supports respectively, a common support structure for said first and second roll supports, and means for alternately and individually mounting said first and said second roll supports on said common support structure, said second roll supports being longer than said first roll supports so that second rolls are supported outwardly of said first rolls relative to said common support structure.

I provide a similar roll leveler construction wherein said common support structure includes an elongated beam arrangement supported only at its ends.

I provide a similar roll leveler construction wherein at least one group of said first and said second group of supports are mounted on transverse adjustment means mounted on said common support structure for varying the opening between said first and said second rolls.

I provide a similar roll leveler construction wherein at least some of said first and said second supports are slidably mounted on said common support structure for movement therealong in order to vary the pitch of said roll leveler and the like.

I provide a similar roll leveler construction wherein an endmost roll and its support are substantially fixedly mounted on said common support structure, and the remainder of said supports are slidably mounted on said support structure for movements in common directions toward and away from said fixed support.

I provide a similar roll leveler construction wherein individual drive mechanisms are coupled respectively to said slidable supports for individually driving each of said slidable supports along said common support structure.

I provide a similar roll leveler construction wherein said drive mechanisms are mounted on slide blocks slidably engaged with slideway means extending along the length of said common support structure.

During the foregoing discussion, various objects, features and advantages of the invention have been set forth. These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention together with structural details thereof will be elaborated upon during the forthcoming description of certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention and presently preferred methods of practicing the same.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention and have illustrated certain presently preferred methods of practicing the same, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view partly in section of one arrangement of a roll leveler or straightener according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a lower roll and an upper roll together with the supports therefor and taken substantially along reference line II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view, partly in section, of an upper roll and its support taken substantially along reference line III-III of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a vertically sectioned partial view of the roll leveler construction as shown in FIG. 2 and taken along reference line IV-IV thereof; and

FIG. 5 is a vertically sectioned partial view of the roll leveler construction as shown in FIG. 2 and taken along reference line V--V thereof.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the exemplary roll leveler construction shown therein comprises a plurality of outer or upper rolls 22, supports therefor 24, a plurality of inner or lower rolls 26, and supports therefor 28. In the illustrated modification four such upper rolls and supports 22, 24 and five such lower rolls and supports 26, 28 are utilized, although it will be apparent that a different number of each group of rolls can be employed. Each of the upper roll supports 24 and the lower roll supports 28 are slideably mounted on a common support structure 30 likewise forming part of the roll leveler construction 20. The roll leveler 20 in this example includes a base or platform member 32 having a pair of slideways 34 supported on the upper surface thereof and extending along its length. The slideways 34 accommodate components of the variable pitch drive mechanism as described hereinafter.

It should be noted that such terms as upper rolls and lower rolls are relative and do not imply that the leveler or similar construction is limited to a horizontal disposition in the patent sense. The term upper or outer denotes those rolls or associated components which are farther from the common support structure 30 or 48, while lower" or inner denotes those which are closer to the common support.

At each end of the base member 32 is a supporting block 36 or 38, including an upright or standard 40 or 42. On the standard 40 of the entry support block 36 are mounted a pair of entry guides 44, while the support block 38 at the delivery end of the roll leveler 20 is provided with a run out platform 46. The entry guides 44 and the run out platform 46 can be mounted in cantilever fashion on the standards 40, 42 respectively.

In this arrangement, and as evident from FIGS. 2 and 3, the pair of shafts or axles 48 are suspended at their ends between the support blocks 36, 38 with no intermediate support being necessary, as will be more apparent hereinafter. Although the shafts 48 are shown as having a circular cross section (FIGS. 2 and 3) it will be obvious that other configurations can be substituted depending upon specific structural relationships of the invention, for example modification or omission of the height adjustment for the upper or outer rolls 22. In this example the shafts 48 are cradled at their ends in semicylindrical recesses 50, 52 or the like complementary recesses formed in the support blocks 36, 38. In one of the support blocks, for example the support block 36, the supporting recesses can be extending for example at 50a to accommodate expansion and contraction of the shafts 48. Passages 54 desirably are bored through one of the support blocks, for example the block 36, for entry and removal of the shafts 48.

Also suspended between the support blocks 36, 38 are a pair of threaded rods 56, having their end portions normally embedded in the support blocks 36, 38 as evident from FIG. 1. Passages 58 can be bored through one of the support blocks, for example the block 36, for entry and removal of the threaded rods 56. The unused portions of the passages 58 can be plugged against longitudinal movement of the threaded rods 56.

The upper leveler roll supports 24 are, of course, correspondingly longer than the lower roll supports 28 in order to support the upper rolls at the higher elevation or at a greater distance from the common support structure 3048.

With the exception of one of the endmost rolls, for example the first or entry lower roll 26a, each of the supports 24 for the upper rolls 22 and the supports 28 for the lower rolls 26 desirably are mounted for sliding movement along the shafts 48, to provide a variable pitch roll configuration. When adjusting the pitch between adjacent leveler rolls 22 or 26, an individual drive mechanism for each of the aforesaid supports can be actuated for variably moving each of these supports along the shafts 48. Such drive mechanisms cooperate, as explained below, with the stationarily mounted threaded rods or screws 56.

Also mounted for sliding movement along the shafts 48 is a traveling roll support 60 having a single cantilevered roll 62. The roll 62 can be mounted on the roll support 60 in much the same manner as one of the leveler rolls 22 or 26, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The traveling roll support 60 is likewise provided with its own drive means, which can be energized to position the traveling roll support intermediate of the endmost slidably mounted leveler roll, for example the roll 26b, and the delivery support block 38 to support a beam or angle or other shape being passed through the roll leveler 20. Additional support can be provided, if desired, by afixed roll support 64 mounted upon the delivery support block 38 and likewise provided with a support roll 66 cantilevered thereon.

I As explained-hereinafter, the traveling roll support 60 is positioned substantially at the position denoted by the solid outlines thereof in FIG. 1 when the leveler rolls 22, 26 are positioned at their minimum pitch positions as represented by the solid outlines thereof and of their supports 24, 28 in FIG. 1. When the leveler rolls and "their supports are positioned at their maximum pitch as denoted by chain outlines 68, 70 of the endmost upper and lower rolls, the traveling roll support 60-'-62 is moved to a position adjacent the fixed roll support 64-66 as denoted by chain outline 72.

As noted previously the initial or entry lower leveler roll 26a can be fixed, although its support 28a slidably engages the supporting shafts 48 to allow for differential elongation of the common support components. However, the fixed lower roll support 28a is restrained against longitudinal movement by means of a pair of stud blocks 74 bolted at 76 to base member 34 and slidably inserted between a pair of depending plates 78 forming part of the fixed housing 2811. As better shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the housing plates 78 are joined to hearing housing 80 in which the associated roll 26a is mounted in cantilever fashion. The housing plates 78 are rigidized and stabilized by a pair of collars 82 through which the shafts 48 respectively are inserted. The loose coupling between the stud blocks 74 and the fixed rollsupport 28a avoids transmission of bending and other loads to the stud blocks 74 and base member 32.

As better shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 the remainder of the lower leveler roll housings 28 are similarly constructed with the exceptions that their collars 80a desirably are provided with sleeve bearings 84 to accommodate the various sliding movements thereof along the shafts 48 and that bolted down stud members are not used. In their place, a pair of rod followers or drive casings 86, 88 are slidably mounted on the slideways 34 of the base member 32 and are similarly coupled between plates 78a of the lower roll supports 28. Thus, the weights and reactive loadings of the lower rolls 26 and their housings 28 are totally supported on the common beam assembly 48, while the pitch varying drive mechanisms therefor including the drive casings 86, 88 and other drive components are totally supported by the base member 32. This allows for minor deflections, expansions and elongations of the various components of the roll leveler 20. More particularly this arrangement prevents an application of straightening forces to the threaded rods or screws 56 or to the several drive mechanisms for the leveler roll supports.

As evident from FIG. 5 of the drawings each of the drive casings 86, 88 of each of the movable lower housings 28 is inserted between extensions 90 or 92 of the support plates 78a. The drive casings 86, 88 are hollow and as better shown in FIG. 2 are each disposed such that one of the stationary screws 56 extends therethrough. Each of the drive casings 86, 88 contains a worm gear 94 having an internal thread 96 threadedly engaged with the associated stationary screw 56. The worm gear 94 is rotatably mounted within its associated casing upon suitable bearing means 98. The driving mechanism for each lower support 28 includes a drive shaft 100 extented through and between the drive casings 86, 88 and connected to a pair of worms rotatably mounted in the drive casings 86, 88 for rotation therewith and are positioned respectively within the drive casings 86, 88 in enmeshment with the worm gears 94 rotatably mounted therein. When the drive shaft 100 is rotated by suitable drive means, for example electric motor 104, the worm gears 94 are rotated to cause the drive casings 86, 88 to traverse the stationary threaded rods 56 in either direction depending on the rotational sense of the motor 104. The drive casings 86, 88 are guided longitudinally of the drive rods 56 by their engagement with the respective slideway members 34. By their slidable engagement with the plate extensions 90, 92 respectively of the lower housing support plates 78, the drive casings 86, 88 cause the lower lever supports to be moved longitudinally of the common support structure shafts 48. The motor 104 is conveniently mounted on bracket 106 affixed to one of the drive casings, for example the drive casing 86, for movement therewith.

In a similar manner as evident from FIG. 3 the upper leveler roll supports 24 are moved longitudinally along the common beam structure 48. Each of the upper sup port structures includes a pair of plates 108 between which a pair of vertical standards 110 are secured for purposes described below. The plate structures 108 are provided with extensions 112, l 14 between which additional drive casings 86, 88 are inserted as described above in connection with the lower leveler roll supports 28 of FIGS. 2 and 5. The remainder of the variable pitch driving mechanism for each upper leveler roll support 24 is the same as described previously for the variable pitch drives of the lower roll supports 28. I

As better shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the standards 110 of the upper roll supports 24 represent necked down portions thereof whereby the upper roll supports 24 are configured for closely fitted passage between adjacent pairs of the lower roll supports 28 and in particular the bearing housings 80 thereof. The lower bearing housings 80 can be shaped as denoted by reference characters 111 and 113 to facilitate accommodation of the standards 110 therebetween at the lower limit of the pitch adjustment, as denoted by the solid outlines of the rolls and supports in FIG. 1.

It will be evident that all of the leveler rolls 22, 26 and their supports 24, 28 and the several reactive loadings thereof (arrows 116, 118) are distributed totally and solely along the length of the single beam structure 48. On the other hand, the variable pitch drives for each of the leveler roll supports 24, 28 are supported entirely by the slideways 34 and are each engaged with the same pair of threaded but stationary rods 56. Thus, the weights of the leveler rolls and their supports and the various straightening loadings are not applied to the variable pitch drive mechanisms, which however, are slidably coupled to the associated roll supports respectively for movement of the latter along the length of the shafts 48.

Because adjacent reactive bending loads (arrows 116,118) are opposite in sense, the common support beam arrangement 48 is not subjected to an accumulated bending load over its entire span, in sharp contrast to conventional frame type and other conventional levelers. Instead, for any given increment of its length, the beam arrangement is exposed to a maximum bending load equivalent to that imposed upon only one leveler roll 22 or 26. The maximum effective beam span, therefore, is the distance between adjacent arrows 116 or 118 of the same sense. Accordingly, the common support structure including principally the shafts 48 need be designed to carry only the weight loading of the leveler rolls 22, 26 and their supports 24, 28, together with the straightening load of only one roll. This permits use of a much lighter common support structure and obviates the massive frame heretofore employed.

A similar variable pitch drive is coupled to the traveling roll support 60 and support roll 62 as evident from FIG. 1 where one of the drive casings 88 therefor is shown. The drive blocks of the latter drive mechanism similarly are slip-coupled to depending plates 120 forming part of the traveling roll support 60.

The invention thus provides a simple, reliable, and novel variable pitch drive arrangement in addition to elimination of the massive and limitative frame of the known roll levelers. The rods or screws 56 are uniformly threaded throughout their lengths and there is no need for the provision of rotatable screws having varied pitch sections or left and right-hand threads.

It will be immediately evident, however, that no two or more of the rolls will be moved the same distance along the length of the support means 48. Thus, the initial or entry upper leveler roll 22a will be moved through a maximum distance equal to half the allotted pitch variation. On the other hand, the endmost or delivery lower roll 26b will be moved between its solid outline position and its chain outline position 70. In order to accommodate the varying distances through which each of the roll supports 24 and 28 is moved, along with the traveling roll support 60, various means (not shown) can be provided for variously actuating the variable pitch drives associated as described above with each of the upper roll supports 24, the traveling roll support 60, and each of the lower roll supports 28 with the exception of the fixed lower roll support 28a. For example the several variable pitch drive motors 104 (FIGS. 2 and 3) can be operated for differing length of time, or at differing speeds for the same length of time, or a combination of these to accomplish the varying distances of travel allotted to each of the aforementioned roll supports 24, 28 and the traveling roll support 60. On the other hand, the gearing pitch can be varied among the several pairs of worms 102 and worm gears 94 of the respective variable pitch drives.

In those applications where the several variable pitch drive motors 104 are operated for differing times, suitable programming circuitry (not shown) can be provided therefor, or alternatively in conjunction therewith suitable index markings can be provided along the lengths of the slideways 34 or of the common supporting beam structure 48.

As evident from FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the lower leveler rolls 26 are mounted upon suitable and conventional bearing arrangements 122, 124 in their bearing housings respectively. Similar bearing arrangements 126, 128 are provided for mounting the upper leveler rolls in cantilever fashion in bearing housings 130 of the upper roll supports 24. Means desirably are provided for axially adjusting the upper leveler rolls 22 relative to the lower leveler rolls 26, as better shown in FIG. 3. The aforementioned bearings 128 are mounted for sliding movement in the bearing housing 130 while the bearings 126 are mounted on an axially movable carrier 132, whose axial movement is controlled by suitable drive means such as electric motor 134 operating through transmission 136. The transmission in this example includes an internally threaded worm gear 135 cooperating with a threaded extension 137 of the carrier 132. It will be appreciated of course that similar axial adjustments can be provided for the lower leveler rolls 26.

As shown in FIG. 2 the lower leveler rolls are rotatably driven by conventional drive mechanisms, including suitable drive motors 138 coupled through transmissions 140 to shafts 142 on which the lower leveler rolls 126 are mounted in cantilever fashion for rotation therewith. Alternatively, the upper rolls 22 can be similarly driven, and the lower rolls provided with the aforesaid axial adjustments.

Further in accordance with the invention a unique arrangement is provided for varying the height of the upper or outer leveler rolls 22 relative to the lower or inner rolls 26 in conjunction with the unique common support 48 of the upper and lower leveler rolls. The use of some form of height adjustment means is highly desirable so that the opening of the roll leveler 20 can accommodate differing thicknesses and/or shapes of material to be leveled or straightened. In this arrangement of the invention such height adjustment means cooperate with the aforedescribed axial adjustment means in properly relocating the upper rolls with respect to the lower rolls. Although the height adjustment is shown and described in conjunction with the upper rolls 22 and their supports the height adjustment can also or instead be applied to the lower rolls.

One form of such height adjustment means is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings and is associated with each of the upper roll supports 24. Each of the standards 110 forming part of each of the upper roll supports 24 is secured at its lower end to an eccentric housing 144 or 146, whereby the standards 110 are joined to the support plates 108, also alluded to previously. In each of the eccentric housings 144, 146 an eccentric 148 is mounted. Each eccentric 148 is provided in this example with a circular aperture 150 through which the associated support shaft 48 is inserted. On the eccentric outer surface 152 the associated eccentric housing 144 or 146 is bearingly supported, such that eacheccentric 148 is rotatably mounted with respect to its associated housing 144 or 146 and to the associated support shaft 48.

Means are provided for imparting substantially identical rotations to each pair of eccentrics 148 such that the associated upper roll support 24, including the standards 110 is raised or lowered relative to the support shafts 48 depending'upon the angular displacement of the eccentrics 148. To provide the necessary clearances for movements of the supports 24, the support plates 108 are provided with openings 154 relative to the supporting shafts 48 and with notches 156 relative to the threaded rods 56, as better shown in FIG. 3.

One form of such vertical adjustment drive means for rotating or angularly displacing the eccentrics 148 is likewise shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings. Each of the eccentrics 148 includes on its outer surface a worm gear 158 which is so formed thereon as to be concentric with the shaft 48 extending through the eccentric 148. As likewise shown in FIG. 4, the worm gear 148 is enclosed within the hollow of the eccentric housing 144 or 146. A drive shaft 160 (FIG. 3) extends through the hollow of the eccentric housing 144 and into the hollow of the eccentric housing 146. A pair of worms 162 are secured to the drive shaft 160 for rotation therewith and are positioned respectively in the hollows of the eccentric housings 144, 146 in enmeshment respectively with the worm gears 158. Suitable drive means are provided for rotating each shaft 160, for example electric motor 164. As evident from FIG. 3 the motor 164 can be mounted on bracket 166 which in turn is supported upon extensions 112 of the support plates 108 of the associated upper roll support 24 for movement therewith.

The use of the eccentrics 148 for vertically positioningthe supports 24 and the upper leveler rolls 22 obviously entails transverse motion of the upper rolls 22 relative to the support shafts 48, or more or less axially of the lower rolls 26. Accordingly, the aforedescribed axial adjustments 132-136 (FIG. 3) are provided with sufficient axial travel distances for repositioning of the upper rolls relative to the lower rolls following each adjustment in height.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that novel and efficient forms of a Frameless Roll Leveler, Straightener and the Like have been described herein. While I have shown and described certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention and have illustrated presently preferred methods of practicing the same it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A frameless roll leveler and the like comprising a first group of leveler rolls, a second group'of leveler rolls, a first group of roll supports, a second group of roll supports, means for rotatably mounting said first group of rolls on said first group of supports respectively and for rotatably mounting said second group of rolls on said second group of roll supports respectively,

a common supporting guideway for said first and said ports totally on said common supporting guideway so that only said common guideway is subjected to alternatingly positive and negative beam-loading forces along the length of said guideway and so that said beam-loading forces are confined totally to said guideway, said second roll supports supporting said second rolls outwardly of said first rolls relative to said common supporting guideway so that a workpiece can be inserted generally between said second rolls and said first rolls.

2. The combination according to claim 1 wherein at least some of said first and said second supports are slidably mounted on said common supporting guideway for movement therealong in order to vary the pitch of said roll leveler and the like.

.3. The combination according to claim 1 wherein at least one group of said first and said second group of supports are mounted on transverse adjustment means mounted on said common supporting guideway for varying the opening between said first and said second rolls.

4. The combination according to claim 3 wherein said transverse adjustment means include at least one eccentric member rotatably mounted on shaft means forming part of said common supporting guideway.

5. A frameless roll leveler and the likecomprising the first group of leveler rolls, a second group of leveler rolls, a first group of roll supports, a second group of roll supports, means for rotatably mounting said first group of rolls on said first group of supports respectively and for rotatably mounting said second group of rolls on said second group of roll supports respectively, a common support structure for said first and said second roll supports, means for alternately and individually mounting said first and said second roll supports on said common support structure, said second roll supports supporting such second rolls outwardly of said first rolls relative to said common support structure, at least one group of said first and said second group of supports being mounted on transverse adjustment means mounted on said common support structure for varying the opening between said first and said second rolls, said transverse adjustment means including at least one eccentric member rotatably mounted on shaft means forming part of said common support structure, and axial adjustment means coupled to the rolls of at least one of said roll groups and to the associated supports for adjusting said rolls axially to compensate for angular displacement of said eccentrics.

6. The combination according to claim 2 wherein individual drive mechanisms are coupled respectively to said slidable supports for individually driving each of said slidable supports along said common supporting guideway.

7. The combination according to claim 6 wherein threaded rod means are extending along the length of said common supporting guideway for cooperative engagement by said drive mechanisms to effect movements of said slidable supports.

8. The combination according to claim 6 wherein said drive mechanisms are mounted on slide blocks slidably engaged with slideway means extending along the length of said common supporting guideway.

9. The combination according to claim 8 wherein said slide blocks are slidably coupled to said slidable supports respectively for movement thereof along said common supporting guideway in avoidance of the bending and other loads of said roll supports.

10. A frameless roll leveler and the like comprising a first group of leveler rolls, a second group of leveler rolls, a first group of roll supports, a second group of roll supports, means for rotatably mounting said first group of rolls on said first group of supports respectively and for rotatably mounting said second group of rolls on said second group of roll supports respectively, a common support structure for said first and said second roll supports, means for alternately and individually mounting said first and said second roll supports on said common support structure, said second roll supports supporting said second rolls outwardly of said first rolls relative to said common support structure, at least some of said first and said second supports being slidably mounted on said common support structure for movement therealong in order to vary the pitch of said roll leveler and the like, and said common support structure including a pair of spacedly parallel shafts and means for supporting said shafts only at their ends, each of said slidable supports being slidably mounted on both of said shafts.

11. The combination according to claim wherein a pair of threaded rods are disposed in spaced parallelism with said shafts respectively and are likewise supported at their ends by said support means, driving mechanisms are coupled respectively to said slidable supports, each of said driving mechanisms being threadedly engaged with both of said threaded rods for moving said driving mechanisms and said slidable supports along said common support structure.

12. The combination according to claim 11 wherein each of said driving mechanisms is mounted on slideway means extending spacedly and generally parallel with said support shafts, said driving mechanisms being loosely coupled to said slidable supports respectively.

13. A frameless roll leveler and the like comprising a first group of leveler rolls, a second group of leveler rolls, a first group of roll supports, a second group of roll supports, means for rotatably mounting said first group of rolls on said first group of supports respectively and for rotatably mounting said second group of rolls on said second group of roll supports respectively, a common support structure for said first and said second roll supports, means for alternately and individually mounting said first and said second roll supports on said common support structure, said second roll supports supporting said second rolls outwardly of said first rolls relative to said common support structure, at

least some of said first and said second supports being slidably mounted on said common support structure for movement therealong in order to vary the pitch of said roll leveler and the like, an endmost roll and its support being substantially fixedly mounted on said common support structure, and the remainder of said supports being slidably mounted on said support structure for movements in common directions toward and away from said fixed support.

14. The combination according to claim 13 wherein a traveling roll and its support are slidably mounted on said common support structure for movements to positions intermediate the other endmost leveler roll and a delivery or entry structure of said roll leveler.

15. The combination according to claim 12 wherein each of said drive mechanisms includes a pair of drive blocks slidably engaging said slideway means, said threaded rods extending through apertures in said drive blocks respectively.

16. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said second supports have a necked down portion for closely fitting insertion and passage between an adjacent pair of said first supports.

17. A frameless roll leveler and the like comprising a first group of leveler rolls, a second group of leveler rolls, a first group of roll supports, a second group of roll supports, means for rotatably mounting said first group of rolls on said first group of supports respectively and for rotatably mounting said second group of rolls on said second group of roll supports respectively, a common support structure for said first and said sec ond roll supports, and means for alternately and individually mounting said first and said second roll supports on said common support structure, said second roll supports supporting said second rolls outwardly of said first rolls relative to said common support structure, said common support structure including an elongated beam arrangement supported only at its ends.

18. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said common supporting guideway includes a pair of spacedly parallel members, and each of said first and second supports being mounted on both of said members.

19. The combination according to claim 18 wherein at least some of said first and said second supports are slidably mounted on both of said members for varying the pitch of said roll leveler and the like. 

1. A frameless roll leveler and the like comprising a first group of leveler rolls, a second group of leveler rolls, a first group of roll supports, a second group of roll supports, means for rotatably mounting said first group of rolls on said first group of supports respectively and for rotatably mounting said second group of rolls on said second group of roll supports respectively, a common supporting guideway for said first and said second roll supports, and means for alternately and individually mounting said first and said second roll supports totally on said common supporting guideway so that only said common guideway is subjected to alternatingly positive and negative beam-loading forces along the length of said guideway and so that said beam-loading forces are confined totally to said guideway, said second roll supports supporting said second rolls outwardly of said first rolls relative to said common supporting guideway so that a workpiece can be inserted generally between said second rolls and said first rolls.
 2. The combination according to claim 1 wherein at least some of said first and said second supports are slidably mounted on said common supporting guideway for movement therealong in order to vary the pitch of said roll leveler and the like.
 3. The combination according to claim 1 wherein at least one group of said first and said second group of supports are mounted on transverse adjustment means mounted on said common supporting guideway for varying the opening between said first and said second rolls.
 4. The combination according to claim 3 wherein said transverse adjustment means include at least one eccentric member rotatably mounted on shaft means forming part of said common supporting guideway.
 5. A frameless roll leveler and the like comprising the first group of leveler rolls, a second group of leveler rolls, a first group of roll supports, a second group of roll supports, means for rotatably mounting said first group of rolls on said first group of supports respectively and for rotatably mounting said second group of rolls on said second group of roll supports respectively, a common support structure for said first and said second roll supports, means for alternately and individually mounting said first and said second roll supports on said common support structure, said second roll supports supporting such second rolls outwardly of said first rolls relative to said common support structure, at least one group of said first and said second group of supports being mounted on transverse adjustment means mounted on said common support structure for varying the opening between said first and said second rolls, said transverse adjustment means including at least one eccentric member rotatably mounted on shaft means forming part of said common support structure, and axial adjustment means coupled to the rolls of at least one of said roll groups and to the associated supports for adjusting said rolls axially to compensate for angular displacement of said eccentrics.
 6. The combination according to claim 2 wherein individual drive mechanisms are coupled respectively to said slidable supports for individually driving each of said slidable supports along said common supporting guideway.
 7. The combination according to claim 6 wherein threaded rod means are extending along the length of said common supporting guideway for cooperative engagement by said drive mechanisms to effect movements of said slidable supports.
 8. The combination according to claim 6 wherein said drive mechanisms are mounted on slide blocks slidably engaged with slideway means extending along the length of said common supporting guideway.
 9. The combination according to claim 8 wherein said slide blocks are slidably coupled to said slidable supports respectively for movement thereof along said common supporting guideway in avoidance of the bending and other loads of said roll supports.
 10. A frameless roll leveler and the like comprising a first group of leveler rolls, a second group of leveler rolls, a first group of roll supports, a second group of roll supports, means for rotatably mounting said first group of rolls on said first group of supports respectively and for rotatably mounting said second group of rolls on said second group of roll supports respectively, a common support structure for said first and said second roll supports, means for alternately and individually mounting said first and said second roll supports on said common support structure, said second roll supports supporting said second rolls outwardly of said first rolls relative to said common support structure, at least some of said first and said second supports being slidably mounted on said common support structure for movement therealong in order to vary the pitch of said roll leveler and the like, and said common support structure including a pair of spacedly parallel shafts and means for supporting said shafts only at their ends, each of said slidable supports being slidably mounted on both of said shafts.
 11. The combination according to claim 10 wherein a pair of threaded rods are disposed in spaced parallelism with said shafts respectively and are likewise supported at their ends by said support means, driving mechanisms are coupled respectively to said slidable supports, each of said driving mechanisms being threadedly engaged with both of said threaded rods for moving said driving mechanisms and said slidable supports along said common support structure.
 12. The combination according to claim 11 wherein each of said driving mechanisms is mounted on slideway means extending spacedly and generally parallel with said support shafts, said driving mechanisms being loosely coupled to said slidable supports respectively.
 13. A frameless roll leveler and the like comprising a first group of leveler rolls, a second group of leveler rolls, a first group of roll supports, a second group of roll supports, means for rotatably mounting said first group of rolls on said first group of supports respectively and for rotatably mounting said second group of rolls on said second group of roll supports respectively, a common support structure for said first and said second roll supports, means for alternately and individually mounting said first and said second roll supports on said common support structure, said second roll supports supporting said second rolls outwardly of said first rolls relative to said common support structure, at least some of said first and said second supports being slidably mounted on said common support structure for movement therealong in order to vary the pitch of said roll leveler and the like, an endmost roll and its support being substantially fixedly mounted on said common support structure, and the remainder of said supports being slidably mounted on said support structure for movements in common directions toward and away from said fixed support.
 14. The combination according to claim 13 wherein a traveling roll and its support are slidably mounted on said common support structure for movements to positions intermediate the other endmost leveler roll and a delivery or entry structure of said roll leveler.
 15. The combination according to claim 12 wherein each of said drive mechanisms includes a pair of drive blocks slidably engaging said slideway means, said threaded rods extending through apertures in said drive blocks respectively.
 16. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said second supports have a necked down portion for closely fitting insertion and passage between an adjacent pair of said first supports.
 17. A frameless roll leveler and the like comprising a first group of leveler rolls, a second group of leveler rolls, a first group of roll supports, a second group of roll supports, means for rotatably mounting said first group of rolls on said first group of supports respectively and for rotatably mounting said seconD group of rolls on said second group of roll supports respectively, a common support structure for said first and said second roll supports, and means for alternately and individually mounting said first and said second roll supports on said common support structure, said second roll supports supporting said second rolls outwardly of said first rolls relative to said common support structure, said common support structure including an elongated beam arrangement supported only at its ends.
 18. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said common supporting guideway includes a pair of spacedly parallel members, and each of said first and second supports being mounted on both of said members.
 19. The combination according to claim 18 wherein at least some of said first and said second supports are slidably mounted on both of said members for varying the pitch of said roll leveler and the like. 